In line with our hosting of ASEAN, the economic ministers had their retreat and other related meetings last week which was hosted by its Chair, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez. ASEAN Business Advisory Council were fortunate to have an engagement with them which then gave an avenue for us members to lay out our plans for this year and beyond.

As the chairman of ASEAN BAC, I shared the council’s vision of helping the MSMEs in the region. MSMEs account for almost 95-99% of the total enterprise in ASEAN. Since they are a majority, it is important for us to help bring prosperity to them and experience inclusive growth in the region.

During the discussion, I presented the three key pillars of ASEAN BAC. First, we are promoting Inclusive Business in the region where big brother companies are helping small brother companies by including them in the value chain. ASEAN companies will then help these small players gain access to the global market.

Second, micro entrepreneurs can also benefit from the Mentorship they can get from successful and inspiring medium and large entrepreneurs. We are launching the ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network (AMEN) which will create a pool of mentors from 10 countries of ASEAN.

Lastly, ASEAN BAC aims to continue its participation and contribution to government policy-making and planning in line with the Strategic Action Plan for MSMEs which was launched by the ASEAN Leaders in 2015.

ASEAN Business Advisory Council Chairman Joey Concepcion together with members of the ASEAN BAC presented before the ASEAN Economic Ministers led by its Chair, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

I was joined by Dr. Munir Mujid, ASEAN BAC Chair Malaysia, who discussed the platforms for funding MSMEs. Dr. Robert Yap, ASEAN BAC Chair Singapore, also presented the plans of ASEAN BAC in strengthening the ASEAN Connectivity which includes four programs: Malaysia’s Financial Connectivity Project; Laos’ Connect Project; Philippines and Indonesia’s ASEAN Maritime Connectivity through RORO; and the AMEN. Other ASEAN BAC members and ASEAN BAC Executive Director Gil Gonzales also joined the engagement.

Afterwards, we enjoyed the camaraderie brought by the simple cocktails and dinner hosted by DTI. Filipino entrepreneurs and government officials played great hosts to the ASEAN Economic Ministers and EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström.

ASEAN Business Advisory Council had an engagement with the economic ministers last March 9, 2017. ASEAN BAC discussed the three key pillars of the council for the year.

ASEAN BAC Executive Director Gil Gonzales reported the progress of private sector’s involvement in the working groups which addresses the sectors of healthcare, agri-food, logistics, tourism, and retail.

Dr. Robert Yap, ASEAN BAC Chair Singapore, discussed the plans of ASEAN BAC in completing and strengthening the ASEAN Connectivity.